Bengaluru, June 15 -- Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and MLC CT Ravi has called for a CBI investigation into alleged attempts to defame Dharmasthala and its head Dr D Veerendra Heggade, saying the issue concerns the faith and sentiments of millions of devotees.

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Ravi said Dharmasthala has long been regarded as one of Karnataka's most respected religious and charitable institutions.

Recent legal and media developments have raised serious questions about whether a coordinated campaign was launched against the temple institution and its leadership. He referred to reports surrounding a petition before the Karnataka High Court that allegedly mentions the names of several indiv...